New Thrills at Six Flags Great Adventure

Dark Knight Roller Coaster Photo by: Robert Rosetta

Thrill Seekers Be on Alert!

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, has introduced its newest thrill ride, The Dark Knight, to rave reviews. The Dark Knight coaster, housed in a gothic-style structure and based on the movie of the same name, proves to be a daunting experience for all those roller coaster junkies out there.

The Six Flags website www.sixflags.com/greatadventure promises that the Dark Knight coaster “will catapult you onto the front lines of an all-out war between good and evil in an indoor coaster experience. Hairpin curves at breakneck speeds careening around 180-degree turns with flashing imagery," create a thrill from the ‘dark side’ of Gotham City. We can only hope Batman comes to the rescue!

My colleague, who shall remain nameless, but who considers himself to be a roller coaster aficionado, feels this ride is quite tame in comparison to other Six Flags coasters, which currently number 13. (10 are listed on the website as a “maximum” thrill ride and 3 are “moderate”). His ‘coaster of choice’ is Kingda Ka, but you be the judge!

Parents Take Notice!

If memories of your Disney vacation include the evening light parade, Great Adventure has a new treat in store for you! Beginning Friday, May 23, 2008 the park will introduce “Glow in the Park,” a new nightly parade that will feature dramatic state-of-the-art floats, cirque-style music and performers. The park will come alive with the lighted parade at 9 o’clock every evening for your entertainment. What better way to end the day after taking advantage of everything the park has to offer?

A Six Flags Great Adventure

Kindga Ka and El Toro Roller Coasters Photo by: Robert Rosetta

To the naked eye, the skyline of Great Adventure appears to explode with imposing spiral structures, but the 200-acre park sparkles with all forms of entertainment, including four theme-inspired children’s areas, 100 amusement park rides, midway attractions and games with food concessions and shopping along Main Street. Concerts, shows, music festivals, and special events are listed online. Tickets are available by the day or by the season. A “flash pass” can be purchased online that will hold your place electronically—no need to waste time waiting in line. Information is also available at the “Flash Pass” booth located in the park.

All-day passes may be a combination ticket to include all three park complexes or purchased individually for Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags Great Adventure Theme Park or Six Flags Animal Park & Wild Safari.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Completed in 2000, the 45-acre tropical-themed water park at Hurricane Harbor, has been named the number one water park in the northeast. The park features a million-gallon wave pool, a winding river half-mile long for rafting and tubing, and approximately 20 water slides. This massive water playground features a total of 25 rides and attractions and offers bathhouses, restrooms and restaurants on-site for your convenience. The theme of Hurricane Harbor mimics a storm-threatened resort and provides excitement at every turn.

Six Flags Wild Safari Animal Park

Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari Photo by: Robert Rosetta

Home to over 1,200 animals and birds gathered from all over the world, this 350- acre Wild Safari Park has the distinction of being the largest drive-through safari in the world, outside of Africa. A leisurely drive of 4.5 miles (with the windows up, please) will ensure that you won’t miss spotting animals of every habitat. Taking the tour bus will give you narrated information of all species and is highly recommended. Be sure to watch for “Rip,” an African bull elephant that is considered the largest land mammal in North America.

A final stop at the Wild Safari Exploration Station (added in 2007) will give children an interactive adventure experience with a touch museum that includes birds, reptiles and small animals. Educational classes for students are provided with live exhibits. The kids will love this!

After trekking through the park one day recently, I can truly understand why Six Flags Great Adventure is considered “The Northeast’s Most Thrilling Entertainment Destination.” Six Flags, since assuming ownership of the park in 1978, has prided itself in developing not only new entertainment venues, but also providing an educational experience and a safe environment for everyone in a family-friendly setting.

All day-trippers, definitely put this “great adventure” on your to-do list!

By Elizabeth Fleming
AboutNewJersey.com Travel Writer